Cobblers close in on play-off pack: Match Review

Northampton moved to within three points of the play-off places with a third successive victory in a 3-1 win over Port Vale.

Adebayo Akinfenwa helped himself to his 15th goal of the season after just three minutes when he fired home from 20 yards despite being surrounded by a posse of defenders.

Vale did draw level just two minutes later with Doug Loft tucking away his second goal in two games after Jason Steele could only parry a shot from Sean Rigg.

But Northampton controlled a large chunk of an entertaining first-half and got their rewards with goals in the 45th minute and in the second minute of stoppage time.

The Cobblers' second goal was gift-wrapped by Vale goalkeeper Joe Anyon who dropped a cross by Paul Rodgers and Abdul Osman poked in the loose ball from six yards.

And Northampton pounced again when an effort by Liam Davis was deflected to Billy McKay who spun to bury an eight-yard shot beyond Anyon.

Vale boss Micky Adams responded by making all three of his substitutions at half-time, and the home side should have pulled one back within seconds when Marc Richards spooned his shot wide of an open goal.

And Vale certainly made more of a fist of it in the second period as substitute Craig Davis forced a flying save from Steele and Richards' header was cleared off the line.

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